Bipolar Disorder in Adolescents

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder, previously referred to as manic depression, is classified as a type of affective disorder (also called mood disorder) that goes beyond the day's ordinary ups and downs, and is a serious medical condition and important health concern in this country. Bipolar disorder is characterized by periodic episodes of extreme elation, happiness, elevated mood, or irritability (also called mania) countered by periodic, classic major depressive symptoms, hence there are two "poles" or symptoms of the disorder.

Who is affected by bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder affects 2.6 percent of American adults each year. The median age of onset is 25. When symptoms are present before the age of 12, they are often confused with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)--a syndrome that is usually characterized by serious and persistent difficulties resulting in inattentiveness or distractibility, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.

Affecting males and females equally (although females are more likely to experience more depressive and less manic symptoms), bipolar disorder often begins in adolescence or early adulthood. Bipolar disorder is beginning to be better recognized in young children, although diagnosis may still be difficult.

Bipolar disorder is likely to run in families and, in some cases, is believed to be hereditary. Researchers are still seeking to identify a gene (or genes) that may be responsible for this disorder.

What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?

The following are the most common symptoms of bipolar disorder. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently.

Some teenagers in a manic phase experience psychotic symptoms including hallucinations and/or delusions.

For a diagnosis of bipolar disorder to be made, an individual must exhibit both depressive and manic symptoms to a varying degree, depending on the severity of the disorder. The symptoms of bipolar disorder, especially in a teenager, may resemble other problems (such as, drug abuse, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or delinquency). Always consult your adolescent's health care provider for a diagnosis.

How is bipolar disorder diagnosed?

Seeking early diagnosis and treatment is crucial to recovery. A diagnosis is often made after a careful psychiatric examination and medical history performed by a psychiatrist or other mental health professional.

Treatment for bipolar disorder

Specific treatment will be determined by your adolescent's health care provider based on:

Your adolescent's age, overall health, and medical history

Extent of your adolescent's symptoms

Your adolescent's tolerance for specific medications or therapies

Expectations for the course of the condition

Your opinion or preference

Mood disorders, including bipolar disorder, can often be effectively treated. Treatment should always be based on a comprehensive evaluation of the adolescent and family. Treatment may include one, or more, of the following:

Recognizing the varied and extreme mood swings associated with bipolar disorder is crucial in obtaining effective treatment, and avoiding the potentially painful consequences of the reckless, manic behavior.